SEBERANG JAYA: The Transport Ministry today announced complimentary ferry and feeder bus rides for this Thaipusam celebration.
The ferry ride will be offered free for 50 hours between 12.01am on Jan 24 and 2am on Jan 26.
The feeder bus ride to the Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple in Kebun Bunga will be from 2pm on Jan 24 and between 5.30am and 1am on Jan 25.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said this gesture is aimed at supporting the cultural festivities and ease travel for those celebrating during one of Malaysia's most significant events.
He said, after Batu Caves, Thaipusam in Penang was celebrated on a grand scale.
"To seamlessly manage the influx of visitors and ensure a memorable experience for all, Penang Port Commission (PPC) and Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) have meticulously prepared for this surge.
"We hope this free service will provide ease to the people," he told newsmen here today.
Elaborating, Loke said taking the ferry during Thaipusam would help alleviate congestion as well as reduce traffic on the island.
"This initiative promotes passengers to use public transportation, encouraging a more sustainable and efficient means of transportation," he added.
Loke said although PPC and PPSB would lose revenue for these two days, that was one of the conditions the government imposed on them as operators.
"In a year, there are several days where we will provide free services including Thaipusam.
"We will announce from time to time the free services to be provided during the main festivals," he said, adding that the provision of free services was an experimental implementation in an effort to reduce traffic congestion.
He said this measure was an experiment, and if it succeeded in reducing congestion, the same approach may be used for other major festivals.
It was previously reported that Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) would provide free fares to Klang Valley KTM Komuter passengers on Jan 24 and Jan 25 in conjunction with the Thaipusam festival.
In addition, additional KTM Komuter services will operate non-stop for four days from Jan 23 to Jan 26, with 28 stations operating for 24 hours during the period.